China 2020 exports up despite virus; surplus surges to $535B

A container ship leaves a port in Nantong in eastern China's Jiangsu Province, Dec. 20, 2020. China's exports rose in 2020 despite pressure from the coronavirus pandemic and a tariff war with Washington, boosting its politically volatile trade surplus to $535 billion, one of the highest ever reported. (Chinatopix via AP)

A cargo ship sails along the Yangtze River as seen from an aerial photo in Nantong in eastern China's Jiangsu Province, Jan. 2, 2021. China's exports rose in 2020 despite pressure from the coronavirus pandemic and a tariff war with Washington, boosting its politically volatile trade surplus to $535 billion, one of the highest ever reported. (Chinatopix via AP)